Micah Kiser
- School
- Virginia
- Position
- Linebacker
- Major
- Foreign Affairs
Classroom
Micah Kiser is a 2016 second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American. He is a two-time All-ACC Academic team (2015, 2016) and three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member (2014-2016).
Character
Kiser’s leadership is unparalleled. In wake of the violence and hatred that invaded Charlottesville in August, Kiser’s leadership within the football program and university community was able to counter with a message of unity. Initiated by Kiser, the football team locked arms in solidarity for a team picture on the steps of UVA’s historic Rotunda with a viral message – “Our school, our city, our home. United forever.” Within days, the picture appeared everywhere from the Charlottesville’s Daily Progress to the pages of USA Today. When asked about taking the picture Kiser told the media, “This a great opportunity for us to come together, stay together, and really show what this world is all about. I always say if the world was like a football team, we would be better off. A collection of people from all over the country, from different backgrounds, different socioeconomic backgrounds, all working together for one goal. If we can show what we can do together, then that’s a beacon of light for the community and an example for other people to follow.”
Kiser was also voted a team captain by his peers in 2016 and 2017.
Community
Kiser is involved in the community of Charlottesville by visiting sick children in the hospital during the school year. He volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club and mentors young students at local elementary schools.
Competition
Kiser is a 2017 preseason Associated Press second-team All-American. He has been a 2016 Football Writers Association of America second-team All-American and a two-time first-team All-ACC member (2015, 2016). He led the ACC in 2015 with 117 tackles and in 2016 with 134 tackles. He is the sixth player in ACC since 1976 to lead the league in tackles in back-to-back seasons. The 134 tackles in 2016 are tied for fourth all-time at UVA for single-season tackles. Kiser finished No. 4 in the nation in 2016 in tackles and No. 17 in the nation in tackles in 2015. He is No. 15 all-time in the UVA record books with 14 career sacks. In 24 career starts, Kiser has recorded 15 double-digit tackle games.
Kiser’s 266 career tackles rank No. 6 among active FBS players. He was a 2016 semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Butkus Award and a two-time Touchdown Club of Richmond’s linebacker of the year (2015, 2016).